Search

After the thrilling match last weekend in which they lost their long unbeaten record to Liverpool, English Premier League leaders defeated Newcastle United 3 - 1. With a hat-trick from Aguero, Manchester City remain 12 points ahead of second-place city rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool have to wait until Monday for their chance to go back to third above Chelsea. They will need three clear goals or more to do so with a superior goal difference. It often happens that the reds follow up an outstanding performance with a rather disappointing one.

Let's hope they will not defeat themselves this time as they frustratingly tend to.

Just learned about the recent death of someone who used to work in the computer labs back when I was studying for my first degree. It has been quite a while but I do remember that he was a nice and helpful fella.

FC Barcelona have announced that superstar striker Lionel Messi has agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the Catalan club for the next four years.

It was always hard to imagine the club without their talisman. And it would probably have come as a shock if he decided to leave the team he has been with since the young age of 13.

Hopefully, he will help them get back to winning ways. Their only trophy last campaign was the Spanish domestic cup. They were beaten to the La Liga title by old rivals Real Madrid who, under Zinedine Zidane, also managed to outplay Juventus and win the European Champions League cup.

Barca had their work cut out for them in the round of 16. They had to turn around a 4-0 deficit from the first leg in Paris if they were to progress to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. And for each goal PSG might score at Camp Nou, the Catalans had to score 2 so as to avoid defeat by the away goals rule.

It was astonishing to watch as Messi and co produced a stunning comeback in the first leg to make history and progress to the next round for the 10th consecutive season at this stage of the competition.Anything can happen in this beautiful game. And FC Barcelona proved once again why they are one of the most formidable teams ever to grace the world of sports.

No wonder futbol aka football aka soccer is the most popular game in the world.

Millions dream of coming to America and making it. It is, after all, the secret sauce of what makes this nation great: The fact that the strengths of these United States lie in their allure as a melting pot of cultures and skills and points of view.

One can't help but wonder how much damage will have been done to the credibility and desirableness and influence of this great nation of immigrants by the time this disastrous new era comes to an end. If the last 11 days are anything to go by, we are in for a rough ride.

It's not just that management are reckless and clueless, but too many are sitting idly by and letting them get away with it.

At least sensible minds are expressing their displeasure with mass protests and legal challenges. And there lies the hope for the future. But in the meantime, the outlook is dim.

Liverpool's dismal form in the new year continues. Southampton were the better side for much of the game and deserved to get through to the finals of the League Cup. And they did so without conceding a single goal so far in the competition.

Because the defensive frailties continue to haunt this potentially great side. Can we score goals? Yes. Well, most of the time. Can we keep a clean sheet? Yes. But only sometimes.

This defeat leaves the Merseysiders 7 points behind leaders Chelsea who will play Hull City on Sunday. And the gap could grow to 10 points with a win for Antonio Conte's side.

Second placed Tottenham Hotspur did not take much advantage as they needed a late, controversial equalizer to get a point at Manchester City. City took the lead in a performance that pleased manager Pep Guardiola. But the match ended 2-2.

Arsenal could move 2nd if they win their game at home. The visitors will be 12th-place Burnley. That match is also on Sunday.

Liverpool's next Premier League will be against clear leaders Chelsea. That game scheduled for Tuesday, January 31st of 2017 will surely decide whether the reds can realistically remain in the title race.

Liverpool have announced that Steven Gerrard, aka Stevie G, aka Captain Fantastic is going to rejoin the club as youth team coach starting Februrary.

Gerrard made his Liverpool debut in 1998 and went on to captain the club until he left after the 2014-2015 season. That was to join LA Galaxy in America's MLS.

In a career spanning 17 years with more than 700 games for the reds, the 36 year old won 9 trophies. He remains much loved and respected by club and country.

Gerrard said:

It feels like completing the circle; returning to the place where professionally it all began. However, this isn't a decision based on emotion - it's about what I can offer and contribute to Liverpool.